Spinners Fall in a Close, Hitting Contest to the Cyclones

New Pitcher Kevin Steen

The Lowell Spinners (22-21) had momentum on their side going into Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Cyclones (22-20) who are the Class A affiliates of the New York Mets. The Spinners were coming off a superb road trip where they won 4 out of 6 games and were coming home for the first time since July 26th.The Cyclones struck first as they jumped ahead to a 2-0 advantage off of starting pitcher Kevin Steen. However, Steen would settle down after that and give up no runs as well as striking out two before Danny Zandona relieved him in the sixth inning. Lowell responded in the fourth and scored three runs. With the bases loaded and one out, Tate Matheny hit a fly ball to center that the center fielder for the Cyclones misplayed and the play turned into a two-run double. After that, Kyri Washington hit a sacrifice fly to give the Spinners a 3-2 lead.

Lowell would also add more runs to their lead in the fifth inning, as their bats started firing. Jeremy Rivera started the inning off by reaching base on a pop-up caught by no-one and then Andrew Benintendi followed with an infield single. Victor Acosta would single to right, which fell in front of three Cyclone players, bringing in Rivera. Tucker Tubbs then hit a sacrifice fly ball which increased the Lowell lead to 5-2.

The Cyclones however, would capitalize on Spinners relief pitchers Danny Zandona and Taylor Nunez in the sixth and seventh innings. Both pitchers gave up a combined six hits and five runs as the Cyclones retook the lead 7-5. Heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, the Spinners would inch closer and score a run. Tucker Tubbs led off the inning with a double and then Chad De La Guerra followed with an infield single. Tubbs then took third on a wild pitch, but De La Guerra got nabbed at second. It was unfortunate luck but new Spinner Kyri Washington singled home Tubbs to cut the deficit.

Heading into the ninth inning, the Spinners had some confidence built as relief pitcher Bobby Poyner pitched two scoreless innings, striking out four. Lowell would have two quick outs which brought up Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi blasted the ball with two strikes towards the right field wall. It appeared the ball was heading over the wall for a home run, but it fell just short as he reached third base. Victor Acosta would be up next and struck out ending the game for the Spinners as they fell 7-6.

The Spinners celebrated law enforcement night at LeLacheur Park as past and present police officers were honored during pre-game. The Spinners also celebrated first responders and recognized their youth baseball team, the Jr. Spinners, who are an AAU team. The U10,11, and 12 teams were celebrated with awards.

The Spinners and Cyclones square off again in the second game of their three game series, Tuesday night when Jake Cosart (2-2, 5.63) gets the ball for the Spinners with a 7:05 first pitch.